Golf club set having an elastomer element for ball speed control

ABSTRACT

A golf club head including a striking face, a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face, wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises a supported region, a support arm spaced from the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from the periphery portion towards the supported region, a deformable element residing between the support arm and the rear surface of the striking face, and wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with the support arm.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/027,077, Golf Club Set Having An ElastomerElement For Ball Speed, to Hebreo et al., filed Jul. 3, 2018, currentlypending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/220,122, Golf Club Having an Elastomer Element for Ball SpeedControl, to Morin et al. filed Jul. 26, 2016, now patent Ser. No.10/086,244, the disclosure of which are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

It is a goal for golfers to reduce the total number of swings needed tocomplete a round of golf, thus reducing their total score. To achievethat goal, it is generally desirable to for a golfer to have a ball flya consistent distance when struck by the same golf club and, for someclubs, also to have that ball travel a long distance. For instance, whena golfer slightly mishits a golf ball, the golfer does not want the golfball to fly a significantly different distance. At the same time, thegolfer also does not want to have a significantly reduced overalldistance every time the golfer strikes the ball, even when the golferstrikes the ball in the “sweet spot” of the golf club.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golfclub head including a striking face; a periphery portion surrounding andextending rearwards from the striking face; a coordinate system centeredat a center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate systemincluding a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to a ground planewhen the golf club head is in an address position at prescribed loft andlie, an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis and parallel to the strikingface, extending towards a heel of the golf club head, and a z-axis,perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through thestriking face; wherein the striking face comprises a front surfaceconfigured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the frontsurface; wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises asupported region; a support arm spaced from the rear surface of thestriking face, the support arm oriented substantially parallel to therear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from theperiphery portion towards the supported region; a deformable elementresiding between the support arm and the rear surface of the strikingface; wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface incontact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface incontact with the support arm; wherein a perimeter of the front surfaceof the deformable element defines the supported region; wherein thesupported region comprises a geometric center; wherein the striking facecomprises a plurality of scorelines; wherein the striking face comprisesa heel reference plane extending parallel to the y-axis and the-x-axis,wherein the heel reference plane is offset 1 millimeter towards the heelfrom a heel-most extent of the scorelines; wherein the geometric centerof the supported region is located a supported region offset lengthtoeward from the heel reference plane measured parallel to the x-axis;wherein the striking face comprises a striking face length measured fromthe heel reference plane to a toe-most extent of the front surface ofthe striking face parallel to the x-axis; and a supported region offsetratio including the supported region offset length divided by thestriking face length multiplied by 100%, wherein supported region offsetratio is greater than or equal to 40%; wherein the support arm iscantilevered such that it is only affixed to the periphery portion atone end of the support arm; wherein the deformable element comprises anelastomer; wherein at least a portion of the striking face comprises athickness of less than or equal to 2.4 mm; wherein the highest portionof the support arm is located less than or equal to 35 millimeters abovethe ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis; wherein the center ofgravity of the golf club head is located less than or equal to 20millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa golf club head including a striking face; a periphery portionsurrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face; a coordinatesystem centered at a center of gravity of the golf club head, thecoordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicularto a ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position atprescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis andparallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of the golf clubhead, and a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis andextending through the striking face; wherein the striking face comprisesa front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surfaceopposite the front surface; wherein the rear surface of the strikingface comprises a supported region; a support arm spaced from the rearsurface of the striking face, the support arm extending from theperiphery portion towards the supported region; wherein the support armis cantilevered such that it is only affixed to the periphery portion atone end of the support arm; and a deformable element residing betweenthe support arm and the rear surface of the striking face; wherein thedeformable element comprises a front surface in contact with the rearsurface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with thesupport arm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology aperimeter of the front surface of the deformable element defines thesupported region, wherein the supported region comprises a geometriccenter, wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of scorelines,wherein the striking face comprises a heel reference plane extendingparallel to the y-axis and the-x-axis, wherein the heel reference planeis offset 1 millimeter towards the heel from a heel-most extent of thescorelines, wherein the geometric center of the supported region islocated a supported region offset length toeward from the heel referenceplane measured parallel to the x-axis, wherein the striking facecomprises a striking face length measured from the heel reference planeto a toe-most extent of the front surface of the striking face parallelto the x-axis, wherein the golf club head comprises a supported regionoffset ratio including the supported region offset length divided by thestriking face length multiplied by 100%, wherein the supported regionoffset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thehighest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 35millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thehighest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 30millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecenter of gravity of the golf club head is located less than or equal to20 millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis,and wherein the golf club head comprises an MOI-Y greater than or equalto 250 kg-mm².

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology atleast a portion of the striking face comprises a thickness of less thanor equal to 2.1 mm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to the rearsurface of the striking face and extending along a center of the supportarm from the periphery portion towards the supported region and whereinthe support arm comprises an arm width, wherein the arm width decreasesalong the arm centerline from the periphery portion towards thesupported region.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to the rearsurface of the striking face and extending along a center of the supportarm from the periphery portion towards the supported region, the armcenterline forming an angle relative to the ground plane, wherein theangle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 45degrees.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm is oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface ofthe striking face.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thedeformable element comprises an elastomer.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa golf club head including a striking face; a periphery portionsurrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face; a coordinatesystem centered at a center of gravity of the golf club head, thecoordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicularto a ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position atprescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis andparallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of the golf clubhead, and a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis andextending through the striking face; wherein the striking face comprisesa front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surfaceopposite the front surface; wherein the rear surface of the strikingface comprises a supported region; a support arm spaced from the rearsurface of the striking face, the support arm extending from theperiphery portion towards the supported region; and a deformable elementresiding between the support arm and the rear surface of the strikingface; wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface incontact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface incontact with the support arm; wherein a perimeter of the front surfaceof the deformable element defines the supported region, wherein thesupported region comprises a geometric center, wherein the striking facecomprises a plurality of scorelines, wherein the striking face comprisesa heel reference plane extending parallel to the y-axis and the-x-axis,wherein the heel reference plane is offset 1 millimeter towards the heelfrom a heel-most extent of the scorelines, wherein the geometric centerof the supported region is located a supported region offset lengthtoeward from the heel reference plane measured parallel to the x-axis,wherein the striking face comprises a striking face length measured fromthe heel reference plane to a toe-most extent of the front surface ofthe striking face parallel to the x-axis, wherein the golf club headcomprises a supported region offset ratio including the supported regionoffset length divided by the striking face length multiplied by 100%,wherein the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to40%.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm is cantilevered such that it is only affixed to theperiphery portion at one end of the support arm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technologywherein the highest portion of the support arm is located less than orequal to 35 millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to they-axis.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thehighest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 30millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecenter of gravity of the golf club head is located less than or equal to20 millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis,and wherein the golf club head comprises an MOI-Y greater than or equalto 250 kg-mm².

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 50%.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to the rearsurface of the striking face and extending along a center of the supportarm from the periphery portion towards the supported region and whereinthe support arm comprises an arm width, wherein the arm width decreasesalong the arm centerline from the periphery portion towards thesupported region.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to the rearsurface of the striking face and extending along a center of the supportarm from the periphery portion towards the supported region, the armcenterline forming an angle relative to the ground plane, wherein theangle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 45degrees.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thesupport arm is oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface ofthe striking face.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference tothe following Figures.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict section views of a golf club head having an elastomerelement.

FIG. 1C depicts a perspective section view of the golf club headdepicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict section views of a golf club head having an elastomerelement and a striking face with a thickened center portion.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict section views of a golf club head having an elastomerelement and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of theelastomer element.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another example of a golf clubhead having an elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to adjustthe compression of the elastomer element.

FIG. 4B depicts a section view of the golf club head of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C depicts a section view of another example of a golf club havingan elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to adjust thecompression of the elastomer element.

FIG. 5A depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club head without anelastomer element.

FIG. 5B depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club head with anelastomer element.

FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the golf club head.

FIG. 6B depicts a toe view of the golf club head of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts a section view A-A of the golf club head of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 6Aoriented perpendicular to the striking face.

FIG. 6E depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 6Aoriented perpendicular to the striking face including the supportedregion.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the golf club head.

FIG. 7B depicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts a rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A depicts a section view B-B of the golf club head of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8B depicts a section view C-C of the golf club head of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8C depicts a section view D-D of the golf club head of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 9A depicts an additional section view of the front of the golf clubhead of FIG. 7A missing the striking face.

FIG. 9B depicts the section view from FIG. 9A with the deformable memberremoved.

FIG. 10. Depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 7Aoriented perpendicular to the striking face including the supportedregion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technologies described herein contemplate an iron-type golf clubhead that incorporates an elastomer element to promote more uniform ballspeed across the striking face of the golf club. Traditional thin-facediron-type golf clubs generally produce less uniform launch velocitiesacross the striking face due to increased compliance at the geometriccenter of the striking face. For example, when a golf club strikes agolf ball, the striking face of the club deflects and then springsforward, accelerating the golf ball off the striking face. While such adesign may lead to large flight distances for a golf ball when struck inthe center of the face, any off-center strike of golf ball causessignificant losses in flight distance of the golf ball. In comparison,an extremely thick face causes more uniform ball flight regardless ofimpact location, but a significant loss in launch velocities. Thepresent technology incorporates an elastomer element between a backportion of the hollow iron and the rear surface of the striking face. Byincluding the elastomer element, the magnitude of the launch velocitymay be reduced for strikes at the center of the face while improvinguniformity of launch velocities across the striking face. In someexamples, the compression of the elastomer element between the backportion and the striking face may also be adjustable to allow for agolfer or golf club fitting professional to alter the deflection of thestriking face when striking a golf ball.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict section views depict section views of a golf clubhead 100 having an elastomer element 102. FIG. 1C depicts a perspectivesection view of the golf club head 100. FIGS. 1A-1C are describedconcurrently. The club head 100 includes a striking face 118 and a backportion 112. A cavity 120 is formed between the striking face 118 andthe back portion 112. An elastomer element 102 is disposed in the cavity120 between the striking face 118 and the back portion 112. A rearportion of the elastomer element 102 is held in place by a cradle 108.The cradle 108 is attached to the back portion 112 of the golf club head100, and the cradle 108 includes a recess 109 to receive the rearportion of the elastomer element 102. The lip of the cradle 108 preventsthe elastomer element 102 from sliding or otherwise moving out ofposition. The elastomer element 102 may have a generally frustoconicalshape, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In other examples, the elastomer element102 may have a cylindrical, spherical, cuboid, or prism shape. Therecess 109 of the cradle 108 is formed to substantially match the shapeof the rear portion of the elastomer element 102. For example, with thefrustoconical elastomer element 102, the recess 109 of the cradle 108 isalso frustoconical such that the surface of the rear portion of theelastomer element 102 is in contact with the interior walls of therecess 109 of the cradle 108. The cradle 108 may be welded or otherwiseattached onto the back portion 112, or the cradle 108 may be formed aspart of the back portion 112 during a casting or forging process. Theback portion 112 may also be machined to include the cradle 108.

A front portion 103 of the elastomer element 102 contacts the rearsurface 119 of the striking face 118. The front portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 may be held in place on the rear surface 119 ofthe striking face 118 by a securing structure, such as flange 110. Theflange 110 protrudes from the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118into the cavity 120. The flange 110 receives the front portion 103 ofthe elastomer element 102 to substantially prevent the elastomer element102 from sliding along the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118.The flange 110 may partially or completely surround the front portion103 of the elastomer element 102. Similar to the cradle 108, the flange110 may be shaped to match the shape of the front portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 such that the surface of the front portion 103 ofthe elastomer element 102 is in contact with the interior surfaces ofthe flange 110. The flange 110 may be welded or otherwise attached tothe rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. The flange 110 may alsobe cast or forged during the formation of the striking face 118. Forinstance, where the striking face 118 is a face insert, the flange 110may be incorporated during the casting or forging process to make theface insert. In another example, the flange 110 and the striking face118 may be machined from a thicker face plate. Alternative securingstructures other than the flange 110 may also be used. For instance, twoor more posts may be included on rear surface 119 of the striking face118 around the perimeter of the front portion 103 of the elastomerelement 102. As another example, an adhesive may be used to secure theelastomer element 102 to the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118.In other embodiments, no securing structure is utilized and theelastomer element 102 is generally held in place due to the compressionof the elastomer element 102 between the cradle 108 and the rear surface119 of the striking face 118.

In the example depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, the elastomer element 102 isdisposed behind the approximate geometric center of the striking face118. In traditional thin face golf clubs, strikes at the geometriccenter of the striking face 118 display the largest displacement of thestriking face 118, and thus the greatest ball speeds. By disposing theelastomer 102 at the geometric center of the striking face 118, thedeflection of the striking face 118 at that point is reduced, thusreducing the ball speed. Portions of the striking face 118 not backed bythe elastomer element 102, however, continue to deflect into the cavity120 contributing to the speed of the golf ball. As such, a more uniformdistribution of ball speeds resulting from ball strikes across thestriking face 118 from the heel to the toe may be achieved. In otherexamples, the elastomer element 102 may be disposed at other locationswithin the club head 100.

The elasticity of the elastomer element 102 also affects the deflectionof the striking face 118. For instance, a material with a lower elasticmodulus allows for further deflection of the striking face 118,providing for higher maximum ball speeds but less uniformity of ballspeeds. In contrast, a material with a higher elastic modulus furtherprevents deflection of the striking face 118, providing for lowermaximum ball speeds but more uniformity of ball speeds. Different typesof materials are discussed in further detail below with reference toTables 2-3.

The golf club head 100 also includes a sole 105 having a sole channel104 in between a front sole portion 114 and a rear sole portion 116. Thesole channel 104 extends along the sole 105 of the golf club head 100from a point near the heel to a point near the toe thereof. Whiledepicted as being a hollow channel, the sole channel 104 may be filledor spanned by a plastic, rubber, polymer, or other material to preventdebris from entering the cavity 120. The sole channel 104 allows foradditional deflection of the lower portion of the striking face 118. Byallowing for further deflection of the lower portion of the strikingface 118, increased ball speeds are achieved from ball strikes at lowerportions of the striking face 118, such as ball strikes off the turf.Accordingly, the elastomer element 102 and the sole channel 104 incombination with one another provide for increased flight distance of agolf ball for turf strikes along with more uniform ball speeds acrossthe striking face 118.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict sections views of a golf club head 200 having anelastomer element 202 and a striking face 218 with a thickened centerportion 222. Golf club head 200 is similar to golf club head 100discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, except a thickenedportion 222 of the striking face 218 is utilized rather than a flange110. The thickened portion 222 of the striking face 218 protrudes intothe cavity 220. The front portion 203 of the elastomer element 202contacts the rear surface 219 of the thickened portion 222. The rearportion of the elastomer element 202 is received by a recess 209 in acradle 208, which is attached to the back portion 212 and substantiallysimilar to the cradle 108 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C.Due the thickened portion 222 of the striking face 218, the elastomerelement 202 may be shorter in length than the elastomer element 102 inFIGS. 1A-1C. The golf club head 200 also includes a sole channel 204disposed between a front sole portion 214 and a rear sole portion 216.The sole channel 204 also provides benefits similar to that of solechannel 104 described in FIGS. 1A-1C and may also be filled with orspanned by a material.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict section views of a golf club head 300 having anelastomer element 302 and an adjustment mechanism to adjust thecompression of the elastomer element 302. The golf club head 300includes a striking face 318 and a back portion 312, and a cavity 320 isformed between the back portion 312 and the striking face 318. Similarto the golf club head 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C,a flange 310 is disposed on the rear surface 319 of the striking face318, and the flange 310 receives the front portion 303 of the elastomerelement 302. In the example depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, the elastomerelement 302 has a generally cylindrical shape. In other examples,however, the elastomer element 302 may have a conical, frustoconical,spherical, cuboid, or prism shape.

The golf club head 300 also includes an adjustment mechanism. Theadjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the compression of theelastomer element 302 against the rear surface 319 of the striking face318. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, the adjustment mechanismincludes an adjustment receiver 306 and an adjustment driver 330. Theadjustment receiver 306 may be a structure with a through-hole into thecavity 320, and the adjustment driver 330 may be a threaded element orscrew, as depicted. The through-hole of the adjustment receiver 306includes a threaded interior surface for receiving the threaded element330. The adjustment receiver 306 may be formed as part of the forging orcasting process of the back portion 312 or may also be machined andtapped following the forging and casting process. The threaded element330 includes an interface 334, such as a recess, that contacts orreceives a rear portion of the elastomer element 302. The threadedelement 330 also includes a screw drive 332 that is at least partiallyexternal to the golf club head 300 such that a golfer can access thescrew drive 332. When the threaded element 330 is turned via screw drive332, such as by a screwdriver, Allen wrench, or torque wrench, thethreaded element 330 moves further into or out of the cavity 320. Insome examples, the interface 334 that contacts or receives the rearportion of the elastomer element 302 may be lubricated so as to preventtwisting or spinning of the elastomer element 302 when the threadedelement 330 is turned. As the threaded element 330 moves further intothe cavity 320, the compression of the elastomer element 302 against therear surface 319 of the striking face 318 increases, thus altering aperformance of the elastomer element 302.

A higher compression of the elastomer element 302 against the rearsurface 319 of the striking face 318 further restricts the deflection ofthe striking face 318. In turn, further restriction of the deflectioncauses more uniform ball speeds across the striking face 318. However,the restriction on deflection also lowers the maximum ball speed fromthe center of the striking face 318. By making the compression of theelastomer element 302 adjustable with the adjustment mechanism, thegolfer or a golf-club-fitting professional may adjust the compression tofit the particular needs of the golfer. For example, a golfer thatdesires further maximum distance, but does not need uniform ball speedacross the striking face 318, can reduce the initial set compression ofthe elastomer element 302 by loosening the threaded element 330. Incontrast, a golfer that desires uniform ball speed across the strikingface 318 can tighten the threaded element 330 to increase the initialset compression of the elastomer element 302.

While the adjustment mechanism is depicted as including a threadedelement 330 and a threaded through-hole in FIGS. 3A-3B, other adjustmentmechanisms could be used to adjust the compression of the elastomerelement 302 against the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318. Forinstance, the adjustment mechanism may include a lever where rotation ofthe lever alters the compression of the elastomer element 302. Theadjustment mechanism may also include a button that may be depressed todirectly increase the compression of the elastomer element 302. Othertypes of adjustment mechanisms may also be used.

The golf club head 300 also includes a sole channel 304 between a frontsole portion 314 and a rear sole portion 316, similar to the solechannel 104 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. The solechannel 304 also provides benefits similar to that of sole channel 104and may also be filled with or spanned by a material.

The golf club head 300 may also be created or sold as a kit. In theexample depicted where the adjustment mechanism is a threaded element330, such as a screw, the kit may include a plurality of threadedelements 330. Each of the threaded elements 330 may have a differentweight, such that the golfer can select the desired weight. For example,one golfer may prefer an overall lighter weight for the head of an iron,while another golfer may prefer a heavier weight. The plurality ofthreaded elements 330 may also each have different weight distributions.For instance, different threaded elements 330 may be configured so as todistribute, as desired, the weight of each threaded element 330 along alength thereof. The plurality of threaded elements 330 may also havediffering lengths. By having differing lengths, each threaded elements330 may have a maximum compression that it can apply to the elastomerelement 302. For instance, a shorter threaded elements 330 may not beable to apply as much force onto the elastomer element 302 as a longerthreaded elements 330, depending on the configuration of the adjustmentreceiver 306. The kit may also include a torque wrench for installingthe threaded elements 330 into the adjustment receiver 306. The torquewrench may include preset settings corresponding to differentcompression or performance levels.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another example of a golf clubhead 400A having an elastomer element 402 and an adjustment mechanism toadjust the compression of the elastomer element 402. FIG. 4B depicts asection view of the golf club head 400A. The golf club 400A includesstriking face 418 and a back portion 412 with a cavity 420 formed therebetween. Like the adjustment mechanism in FIGS. 3A-3B, the adjustmentmechanism in golf club head 400A includes an adjustment receiver 406 andan adjustment driver 430. In the example depicted, the adjustmentreceiver 406 is a structure having a threaded through-hole for acceptingthe adjustment driver 430, and the adjustment driver 430 is a screw. Insome embodiments, the adjustment receiver 406 may be defined by athreaded through-hole through the back portion 412, without the need forany additional structure.

The tip of the screw 430 is in contact with a cradle 408A that holds arear portion of the elastomer element 402. As the screw 430 is turned,the lateral movement of the screw 430 causes the cradle 408A to movetowards or away from the striking face 418. Accordingly, in someexamples, the screw 430 extends substantially orthogonal to the rearsurface 419 of the striking face 418. Because the cradle 408A holds therear portion of the elastomer element 402, movement of the cradle 408Acauses a change in the compression of the elastomer element 402 againstthe rear surface 419 of the striking face 418. As such, the compressionof the elastomer element 402 may be adjusted by turning the screw 430via screw drive 432, similar to manipulation of the threaded element 330in golf club head 300 depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 4C depicts a section view of another example of a golf club 400Chaving an elastomer element 402 and an adjustment mechanism to adjustthe compression of the elastomer element 402. The golf club head 400C issubstantially similar to the golf club head 400A depicted in FIGS.4A-4B, except golf club head 400C includes a larger cradle 408C having adepth D greater than a depth of a comparatively smaller cradle (e.g.,the cradle 408A of FIGS. 4A-4B having a depth d). The larger cradle 408Cencompasses more the elastomer element 402 than a smaller cradle. Byencompassing a larger portion of the elastomer element 402, the cradle408C further limits the deformation of the elastomer element 402 upon astrike of a golf ball by golf club head 400C. Limitation of thedeformation of the elastomer element 402 also may limit the potentialmaximum deflection of the striking face 418, and therefore may reducethe maximum ball speed for the golf club head 400C while increasing theuniformity of speeds across the striking face 418. The larger cradle408C does not come into contact with the rear surface 419 of thestriking face 418 at maximum deflection thereof. The cradle 408C itselfmay be made of the same material as the back portion 412, such as asteel. The cradle 408C may also be made from a titanium, a composite, aceramic, or a variety of other materials.

The size of the cradle 408C may be selected based on the desired ballspeed properties. For instance, the cradle 408C may encompassapproximately 25% or more of the volume of the elastomer element 402, asshown in FIG. 4C. In other examples, the cradle 408C may encompassbetween approximately 25%-50% of the volume of the elastomer element402. In yet other examples, the cradle 408C may encompass approximately10%-25% or less than approximately 10% of the volume of the elastomerelement 402. In still other examples, the cradle 408C may encompass morethan 50% of the volume of the elastomer element 402. For the portion ofthe elastomer element 402 encompassed by the cradle 408C, substantiallythe entire perimeter surface of that portion of elastomer element 402may contact the interior surfaces of the recess 409 of the cradle 408C.

The connection between the cradle 408C and the adjustment driver 430 canalso be seen more clearly in FIG. 4C. The tip of the adjustment driver430, which may be a flat surface, contacts the rear surface 407 of thecradle 408C. Thus, as the adjustment driver 430 moves into the cavity420, the cradle 408C and the elastomer element 402 are pushed towardsthe striking face 418. Conversely, as the adjustment driver 430 isbacked out of the cavity 420, the cradle 408C maintains contact with theadjustment driver 430 due to the force exerted from the elastomerelement 402 resulting from the compression thereof. In some embodiments,the surface of the tip of the screw 430 and/or the rear surface 407 ofthe cradle 408C may be lubricated so as to prevent twisting of thecradle 408C. In other examples, the tip of the adjustment driver 430 maybe attached to the cradle 408C such that the cradle 408C twists with theturning of the adjustment driver 430. In such an embodiment, theelastomer element 402 may be substantially cylindrical, conical,spherical, or frustoconical, and the interior 409 of the cradle 408C maybe lubricated to prevent twisting of the elastomer element 402. Inanother example, the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418 and/orthe front surface of the elastomer element 402 in contact with the rearsurface 419 of the striking face 418 may be lubricated so as to allowfor spinning of the elastomer element 402 against the rear surface 419of the striking face 418.

While the golf club heads 400A and 400C are depicted with a continuoussole 414 rather than a sole channel like the golf club head 300 of FIGS.3A-3B, other embodiments of golf club heads 400A and 400C may include asole channel. In addition, golf club heads 400A and 400C may also besold as kits with a plurality of screws and/or a torque wrench, similarto the kit discussed above for golf club head 300. An additional backplate may be added to the aft portion of the golf club heads 400A and400C, while still leaving a portion of the screw exposed for adjustment.

Simulated results of different types of golf club heads furtherdemonstrate ball speed uniformity across the face of the golf club headsincluding an elastomer element. Table 1 indicates ball speed retentionacross the face of a golf club head for several different example golfclub heads. Example 1 is a baseline hollow iron having a 2.1 mm facethickness with a sole channel. Example 2 is a hollow iron with a 2.1 mmface with a rigid rod extending from the back portion to the strikingface, also including a sole channel. Example 3 is a hollow iron with astriking face having a thick center (6.1 mm) and a thin perimeter (2.1mm), also having a sole channel. Example 4 is a golf club head having anelastomer element similar to golf club head 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C.The “Center” row indicates ball speeds resulting from a strike in thecenter of the golf club head, the “½″ Heel” row indicates the loss ofball speed from a strike a half inch from the center of the club headtowards the heel, and the “½″ Toe” row indicates the loss of ball speedfrom a strike a half inch from the center of the club head towards thetoe. All values in Table 1 are in miles per hour (mph).

TABLE 1 Impact Example Example Example Example Location 1 2 3 4 Center134.1 132.8 133.8 133.6 ½″ Heel (drop −1.0 −0.4 −0.9 −0.7 from center)½″ Toe (drop −6.9 −6.5 −6.8 −6.7 from center)From the results in Table 1, the golf club head with the elastomer(Example 4) displays a relatively high ball speed from the center of theface, while also providing a reduced loss of ball speed from strikesnear the toe or the heel of the golf club.

In addition, as mentioned above, the type of material utilized for anyof the elastomer elements discussed herein has an effect on thedisplacement of the striking face. For instance, an elastomer elementwith a greater elastic modulus will resist compression and thusdeflection of the striking face, leading to lower ball speeds. Forexample, for a golf club head similar to golf club head 400A, Table 2indicates ball speeds achieved from using materials with differentelasticity properties. All ball speeds were the result of strikes at thecenter of the face.

TABLE 2 Elastic Modulus Ball Speed Material (GPa) (mph) Material A 0.41132.2 Material B 0.58 132.2 Material C 4.14 132.0 Material D 41.4 131.0From the results in Table 2, a selection of material for the elastomerelement can be used to fine tune the performance of the golf club. Anyof the materials listed in Table 2 are acceptable for use in forming anelastomer element to be used in the present technology.

The different types of materials also have effect on the ball speedretention across the striking face. For example, for a golf club headsimilar to golf club head 400A, Table 3 indicates ball speeds achievedacross the striking face from heel to toe for the different materialsused as the elastomer element. The materials referenced in Table 3 arethe same materials from Table 2. All speeds in Table 3 are in mph.

TABLE 3 ½″ Toe Center ½″ Heel Material Impact Impact Impact No Elastomer128.7 132.2 129.4 Element Material A 128.7 132.2 129.4 (0.41 GPa)Material C 128.7 132.0 129.3 (4.1 GPa) Material D 127.9 131.0 128.7 (41GPa)From the results in Table 3, materials having a higher elastic modulusprovide for better ball speed retention across the striking face, butlose maximum ball speed for impacts at the center of the face. For someapplications, a range of elastic moduli for the elastomer element fromabout 4 to about 15 GPa may be used. In other applications, a range ofelastic moduli for the elastomer element from about 1 to about 40 orabout 50 GPa may be used.

As mentioned above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the size of the cradlemay also have an impact on the ball speed. For a smaller cradle, such ascradle 408A in FIGS. 4A-4B, and an elastomer element made of a 13 GPamaterial, a loss of about 0.2 mph is observed for a center impact ascompared to the same club with no elastomer element. For a larger cradlethat is about 5 mm deeper, such as cradle 408C in FIG. 4C, and anelastomer element also made of a 13 GPa material, a loss of about 0.4mph is observed for a center impact as compared to the same club with noelastomer element. For the same larger cradle and an elastomer elementmade of a 0.4 GPa material, a loss of only about 0.2 mph is observed fora center impact as compared to the same club with no elastomer element.

San Diego Plastics, Inc. of National City, Calif. offers severalplastics having elastic moduli ranging from 2.6 GPa to 13 GPa that wouldall be acceptable for use. The plastics also have yield strengths thatare also acceptable for use in the golf club heads discussed herein.Table 4 lists several materials offered by San Diego Plastics and theirrespective elastic modulus and yield strength values.

TABLE 4 Tecapeek Tecaform 30% Carbon ABS Acetal PVC Tecapeek FiberThermoplastic 2.8 2.6 2.8 3.6 13 Elastic Modulus (GPa) Thermoplastic0.077 0.031 0.088 0.118 0.240 Compressive Yield Strength (GPa)

The inclusion of an elastomer element also provide benefits indurability for the club face by reducing stress values displayed by thestriking face upon impact with a golf ball. FIG. 5A depicts a stresscontour diagram for a golf club head 500A without an elastomer element,and FIG. 5B depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club head 500Bwith an elastomer element. In the golf club head 500A, the von Misesstress at the center of the face 502A is about 68% of the maximum vonMises stress, which occurs at the bottom face edge 504A. Without anelastomer element, the von Mises stress levels are high and indicatethat the club face may be susceptible to failure and/or earlydeterioration. In the golf club 500B, for an elastomer element having anelastic modulus of 0.41 GPa, the von Mises stress for the face near theedge of the elastomer element 502B is reduced by about 16% and themaximum von Mises stress occurring at the bottom face edge 504B isreduced by about 18%. These von Mises stresses are still relativelyhigh, but are significantly reduced from those of the golf club head500A. For a golf club head 500B with an elastomer element having anelastic modulus of about 13 GPa, the von Mises stress for the face nearthe edge of the elastomer element 502B is reduced by about 50% and themaximum von Mises stress occurring at the bottom face edge 504B isreduced by about 56%. Such von Mises stress values are lower and areindicative of a more durable golf club head that may be less likely tofail.

FIGS. 6A-6E depict a golf club head 600 having an elastomer element 602.FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the golf club head 600. FIG. 6B depictsa toe view of the golf club head 600 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C depicts asection view A-A of the golf club head 600 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D depicts aperspective view of the golf club head 600 of FIG. 6A orientedperpendicular to the striking face 618. FIG. 6E depicts a perspectiveview of the golf club head 600 of FIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to thestriking face 618 including the supported region 642. The golf club head600 includes a striking face 618 configured to strike a ball, a sole 605located at the bottom of the golf club head 600, and a back portion 612.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the golf club head 600 includes acoordinate system centered at the center of gravity (CG) of the golfclub head 600. The coordinate system includes a y-axis which extendsvertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when the golf club head 600is in an address position at prescribed lie and loft a. The coordinatesystem includes an x-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis, parallel to thestriking face 618, and extending towards the heel of the golf club head600. The coordinate system includes a z-axis, perpendicular to they-axis and x-axis and extending through the striking face 618. The golfclub head 600 has a rotational moment of inertia about the y-axis(MOI-Y), a value which represents the golf club head's resistance toangular acceleration about the y-axis.

An elastomer element 602 is disposed between the striking face 618 andthe back portion 612. The striking face 618 includes a rear surface 619.The front portion 603 of the elastomer element 602 contacts the rearsurface 619 of the striking face 618. As illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6E,the striking face 618 includes a supported region 642, the portion ofthe rear surface 619 supported by the elastomer element 602, which isdefined as the area inside the supported region perimeter 640 defined bythe outer extent of the front portion 603 of the elastomer element 602in contact with the rear surface 619 of the striking face 618. Thesupported region 642 is illustrated with hatching in FIG. 6E. Thesupported region 642 wouldn't normally be visible from the front of thegolf club head 600 but was added for illustrative purposes.

The striking face 618 includes a striking face area 652, which isdefined as the area inside the striking face perimeter 650 asillustrated in FIG. 6D. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the striking faceperimeter is delineated by an upper limit 654 and a lower limit 656. Theupper limit 654 is located at the intersection of the substantially flatrear surface 619 and the upper radius 655 which extends to the top lineof the golf club head 600. The lower limit 656 is located at theintersection of the substantially flat rear surface 619 and the lowerradius 657 which extends to the sole 605 of the golf club head 600. Thestriking face perimeter is similarly delineated 658 (as illustrated inFIG. 6D) at the toe of the golf club head 600 (not illustrated in crosssection). The heel portion of the striking face perimeter is defined bya plane 659 extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis offset 1millimeter (mm) towards the heel from the heel-most extent of thescorelines 660 formed in the striking face 618. The striking face area652 is illustrated with hatching in FIG. 6D. The limits 654, 656 of thestriking face perimeter have been projected onto the striking face 618in FIG. 6D for ease of illustration and understanding.

A plurality of golf club heads much like golf club head 600 describedherein can be included in a set, each golf club head having a differentloft a. Each golf club head can also have additional varyingcharacteristics which may include, for example, MOI-Y, Striking FaceArea, Area of Supported Region, and the Unsupported Face Percentage. TheUnsupported Face Percentage is calculated by dividing the Area ofSupported Region by the Striking Face Area and multiplying by 100% andsubtracting it from 100%. An example of one set of iron type golf clubheads is included in Table 5 below. The set in Table 5 includes thefollowing lofts: 21, 24, 27, and 30. Other sets may include a greaternumber of golf club heads and/or a wider range of loft a values, or asmaller number of golf club heads and/or a smaller range of loft avalues. Additionally, a set may include one or more golf club headswhich include an elastomer element and one or more golf club heads whichdo not include an elastomer element.

TABLE 5 Area of Unsupported Loft of Iron MOI-Y Striking Face SupportedFace (Degrees) (kg*mm²) Area (mm²) Region (mm²) Percentage (%) 21 2702809 74 97.37 24 272 2790 74 97.35 27 276 2777 74 97.34 30 278 2742 7497.30

An example of an additional embodiment of set of iron type golf clubheads is included in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Area of Unsupported Loft of Iron MOI-Y Striking Face SupportedFace (Degrees) (kg*mm²) Area (mm²) Region (mm²) Percentage (%) 21 2722897 74 97.45 24 278 2890 74 97.44 27 289 2878 74 97.43 30 294 2803 7497.36

If all other characteristics are held constant, a larger the MOI-Y valueincreases the ball speed of off-center hits. For clubs with a smallerMOI-Y, the decrease in off-center ball speed can be mitigated with agreater unsupported face percentage. By supporting a smaller percentageof the face, more of the face is able to flex during impact, increasingoff-center ball speed. Thus, for the inventive golf club set describedin Table 5 above, the MOI-Y increases through the set as loft aincreases and the unsupported face percentage decreases through the setas loft a increases. This relationship creates consistent off-centerball speeds through a set of golf clubs.

A set of golf clubs can include a first golf club head with a loftgreater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 24 degreesand a second golf club head with a loft greater than or equal to 28degrees and less than or equal to 32 degrees. In one embodiment, the setcan be configured so that the first golf club head has a largerunsupported face percentage than the second golf club head and the firstgolf club head has a lower MOI-Y than the second golf club head.

More particular characteristics of embodiments described herein aredescribed below. In some embodiments, the area of the supported regioncan be greater than 30 millimeters². In some embodiments, the area ofthe supported region can be greater than 40 millimeters². In someembodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 60millimeters². In some embodiments, the area of the supported region canbe greater than 65 millimeters². In some embodiments, the area of thesupported region can be greater than 70 millimeters². In someembodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 73millimeters².

In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than140 millimeters². In some embodiments, the area of the supported regioncan be less than 130 millimeters². In some embodiments, the area of thesupported region can be less than 120 millimeters². In some embodiments,the area of the supported region can be less than 110 millimeters². Insome embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 100millimeters². In some embodiments, the area of the supported region canbe less than 90 millimeters². In some embodiments, the area of thesupported region can be less than 85 millimeters². In some embodiments,the area of the supported region can be less than 80 millimeters². Insome embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 75millimeters².

In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than70%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greaterthan 75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage isgreater than 80%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentageis greater than 85%. In some embodiments, the unsupported facepercentage is greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the unsupportedface percentage is greater than 95%. In some embodiments, theunsupported face percentage is greater than 96%. In some embodiments,the unsupported face percentage is greater than 97%.

In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than99.75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is lessthan 99.50%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage isless than 99.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentageis less than 99.00%. In some embodiments, the unsupported facepercentage is less than 98.75%. In some embodiments, the unsupportedface percentage is less than 98.50%. In some embodiments, theunsupported face percentage is less than 98.25%. In some embodiments,the unsupported face percentage is less than 98.00%. In someembodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.75%. Insome embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.50%.In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than97.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is lessthan 97.00%.

FIGS. 7A-10 depict a golf club head 700 having an elastomer element 702.FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the golf club head 700. FIG. 7Bdepicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head 700 of FIG.7A. FIG. 7C depicts a rear view of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7A.FIG. 8A depicts a section view B-B of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7C.FIG. 8B depicts a section view C-C of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7C.FIG. 8C depicts a section view D-D of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7C.FIG. 9A depicts an additional section view of the front of the golf clubhead 700 of FIG. 7A missing the striking face. FIG. 9B depicts thesection view from FIG. 9A with the elastomer element removed. FIG. 10.Depicts a perspective view of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7A orientedperpendicular to the striking face 718 including the supported region742. Please note that the golf club head 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7A-10is an iron-type cavity back golf club but the inventions describedherein are applicable to other types of golf club heads as well.

The golf club head 700 includes a deformable member 702 disposed betweenthe striking face 718 and the back portion 712. In one embodiment, thedeformable member 702 is formed from an elastomer. The front portion 703of the elastomer element 702 contacts the rear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The striking face 718 includes a supported region742, the portion of the rear surface 719 supported by the elastomerelement 702, which is defined as the area inside the supported regionperimeter 740 defined by the outer extent of the front portion 703 ofthe elastomer element 702 in contact with the rear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The supported region 742 wouldn't normally be visiblefrom the front of the golf club head 700 but was added in FIG. 10 forillustrative purposes.

The golf club head 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7A-10 is a cavity backconstruction and includes a periphery portion 701 surrounding andextending rearward from the striking face 718. The periphery portion 701includes the sole 705, the toe 706, and the topline 707. The peripheryportion 701 can also include a weight pad 708. The golf club head 700also includes a back portion 712 configured to support the elastomerelement 702.

The back portion 712 includes a cantilever support arm 762 affixed tothe periphery portion 701. The support arm 762 can include a cradle 708configured to hold the elastomer element 702 in place. The cradle 708can include a lip 709 configured to locate the elastomer element 702 onthe cradle 708 and relative to the striking face 718. The lip 709 cansurround a portion of the elastomer element 702. Additionally, anadhesive can be used between the elastomer element 702 and the cradle708 to secure the elastomer element 702 to the cradle 708.

The support arm 762 extends from the weight pad 708 located at theintersection of the sole 705 and the toe 706 of the periphery portion701 towards the supported region 742. The support arm 762 is orientedsubstantially parallel to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718.The support arm 762 can include a rib 764 to increase the stiffness ofthe support arm 762. The rib 764 can extend rearwards from the supportarm 762 substantially perpendicularly to the rear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. One benefit of a cantilever support arm 762 is itprovides a lower CG height than an alternative beam design, such as theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, which supported at both ends by theperiphery portion.

In order to provide a low CG height the support arm 762 is cantileveredwhich means it is only affixed to the periphery portion 701 at one endof the support arm 762. The support arm is designed such that thedistance H between the highest portion of the support arm 762 and theground plane GP when the golf club head 700 is in an address position,as illustrated in FIG. 8C, is minimized, while locating the elastomerelement 702 in the optimal position. In one embodiment, H is less thanor equal to 50 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than 45 mm. Inan additional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 40 mm. In anadditional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 35 mm. In anadditional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 30 mm. In anadditional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 29 mm. In anadditional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 28 mm.

In one embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH ofless than or equal to 25 mm. In an additional embodiment, the golf clubhead 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 24 mm. In anadditional embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGHof less than or equal to 23 mm. In an additional embodiment, the golfclub head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 22 mm.In an additional embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG heightCGH of less than or equal to 21 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 20mm. In an additional embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CGheight CGH of less than or equal to 19 mm. In an additional embodiment,the golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to18 mm.

Another advantage to the illustrated support arm 762 is it provides ahigh MOI-Y due to its orientation. By concentrating mass at the heel endand toe end of the golf club head 700 the MOI-Y can be increased. Thesupport arm 762 is angled to concentrate much of its mass near the toe706, increasing MOI-Y compared with a back portion located morecentrally on the golf club head 700. In one embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 200 kg-mm². In anadditional embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greaterthan or equal to 210 kg-mm². In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y ofthe golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 220 kg-mm². In anadditional embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greaterthan or equal to 230 kg-mm². In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y ofthe golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 240 kg-mm². In anadditional embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greaterthan or equal to 250 kg-mm². In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y ofthe golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 260 kg-mm². In anadditional embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greaterthan or equal to 270 kg-mm².

The support arm 762 can include an arm centerline CL, as illustrated inFIG. 8A, which is oriented parallel to the rear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and extends along the center of the support arm 762from the periphery portion 701 towards the supported region 742. Theangle α is measured between the ground plane GP and the centerline CL.In one embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 5 degrees andless than or equal to 45 degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angleα is greater than or equal to 10 degrees and less than or equal to 40degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle α is greater than orequal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 35 degrees. In anadditional embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 20degrees and less than or equal to 30 degrees. In an additionalembodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 23 degrees and lessthan or equal to 28 degrees.

The support arm 762 can have an arm width AW measured perpendicularly tothe arm centerline CL and parallel to the rear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The arm width AW can vary along the length of thesupport arm 762. In one embodiment the arm width of at least one portionof the support arm is greater than or equal to 6 mm. In an additionalembodiment the arm width of at least one portion of the support arm isgreater than or equal to 8 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm widthof at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to10 mm.

The support arm 762 can have an arm thickness AT measured perpendicularto the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The arm thickness ATcan vary along the length of the support arm 762. In one embodiment thearm thickness AT of at least one portion of the support arm is greaterthan or equal to 2 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm thickness ATof at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 3mm. In an additional embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least oneportion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In anadditional embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion ofthe support arm is greater than or equal to 5 mm. In an additionalembodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the supportarm is greater than or equal to 6 mm.

The rib 764 of the support arm 762 can have a rib width RW measuredperpendicularly to the arm centerline CL and parallel to the rearsurface 719 of the striking face 718. The rib width RW can vary alongthe length of the rib. In one embodiment, the rib width RW of at least aportion of the rib is greater than or equal to 1 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the rib is greaterthan or equal to 2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib width RW ofat least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In anadditional embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the ribis greater than or equal to 4 mm.

The rib 764 of the support arm 762 can have a rib thickness RT measuredperpendicular to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The ribthickness RT can vary along the length of the rib. In one embodiment,the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than orequal to 2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of atleast a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In anadditional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of therib is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In an additional embodiment, therib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than orequal to 5 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of atleast a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 6 mm.

The supported region 742, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is specificallylocated on the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The strikingface heel reference plane 759 extends parallel to the y-axis and thex-axis and is offset 1 mm towards the heel from the heel-most extent ofthe scorelines 760 formed in the striking face 718. The geometric center743 of the supported region 742 is located a supported region offsetlength SROL toeward from the striking face heel reference plane 759measured parallel to the ground plane GP and parallel to the strikingface 718 with the golf club head 700 in an address position. In oneembodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than orequal to 20 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offsetlength SROL is greater than or equal to 22 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than orequal to 24 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offsetlength SROL is greater than or equal to 26 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than orequal to 27 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offsetlength SROL is greater than or equal to 28 mm.

The striking face length SFL is measured from the striking face heelreference plane 759 to the toe-most extent of the striking face 718,measured parallel to the ground plane GP and parallel to the strikingface 718 with the golf club head 700 in an address position. In oneembodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 60mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greaterthan or equal to 65 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking facelength SFL is greater than or equal to 70 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 71mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greaterthan or equal to 72 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking facelength SFL is greater than or equal to 73 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 74mm.

In one embodiment, the supported region offset ratio, defined as thesupported region offset length SROL divided by the striking face lengthSFL multiplied by 100%, is greater than or equal to 40%. In anadditional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater thanor equal to 41%. In an additional embodiment, the supported regionoffset ratio is greater than or equal to 42%. In an additionalembodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equalto 43%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratiois greater than or equal to 44%. In an additional embodiment, thesupported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 45%. In anadditional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater thanor equal to 46%. In an additional embodiment, the supported regionoffset ratio is greater than or equal to 47%. In an additionalembodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equalto 48%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratiois greater than or equal to 49%. In an additional embodiment, thesupported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 50%. In anadditional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater thanor equal to 51%.

An additional benefit of incorporating a supported region 742 is theability to utilize a thin striking face. In the illustrated embodiments,the striking face 718 has a constant thickness. In other embodiments,the striking face may have a variable thickness. In one embodiment, thethickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.5 mm. In anadditional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less thanor equal to 2.4 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of thestriking face is less than or equal to 2.3 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to2.2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking faceis less than or equal to 2.1 mm. In an additional embodiment, thethickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.0 mm. In anadditional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less thanor equal to 1.9 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of thestriking face is less than or equal to 1.8 mm. In an additionalembodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to1.7 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking faceis less than or equal to 1.6 mm. In an additional embodiment, thethickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In anadditional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less thanor equal to 1.4 mm.

Although specific embodiments and aspects were described herein andspecific examples were provided, the scope of the invention is notlimited to those specific embodiments and examples. One skilled in theart will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within thescope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the specificstructure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrativeembodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the followingclaims and any equivalents therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A golf club head comprising: a strikingface; a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from saidstriking face; a coordinate system centered at a center of gravity ofsaid golf club head, said coordinate system comprising a y-axisextending vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when said golfclub head is in an address position at prescribed loft and lie, anx-axis perpendicular to said y-axis and parallel to the striking face,extending towards a heel of said golf club head, and a z-axis,perpendicular to said y-axis and said x-axis and extending through saidstriking face; wherein said striking face comprises a front surfaceconfigured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite said frontsurface; wherein said rear surface of said striking face comprises asupported region; a support arm spaced from said rear surface of saidstriking face, said support arm oriented substantially parallel to saidrear surface of said striking face, said support arm extending from saidperiphery portion towards said supported region; a deformable elementresiding between said support arm and said rear surface of said strikingface; wherein said deformable element comprises a front surface incontact with said rear surface of said striking face and a rear surfacein contact with said support arm; wherein a perimeter of said frontsurface of said deformable element defines said supported region;wherein said supported region comprises a geometric center; wherein saidstriking face comprises a plurality of scorelines; wherein said strikingface comprises a heel reference plane extending parallel to said y-axisand said-x-axis, wherein said heel reference plane is offset 1millimeter towards said heel from a heel-most extent of said scorelines;wherein said geometric center of said supported region is located asupported region offset length toeward from said heel reference planemeasured parallel to said x-axis; wherein said striking face comprises astriking face length measured from said heel reference plane to atoe-most extent of said front surface of said striking face parallel tosaid x-axis; and a supported region offset ratio comprising saidsupported region offset length divided by said striking face lengthmultiplied by 100%, wherein the supported region offset ratio is greaterthan or equal to 40%; wherein said support arm is cantilevered such thatit is only affixed to said periphery portion at one end of said supportarm; wherein said deformable element comprises an elastomer; wherein atleast a portion of said striking face comprises a thickness of less thanor equal to 2.4 mm; wherein a highest portion of said support arm islocated less than or equal to 35 millimeters above said ground plane,measured parallel to said y-axis; wherein said center of gravity of saidgolf club head is located less than or equal to 20 millimeters abovesaid ground plane, measured parallel to said y-axis.
 2. A golf club headcomprising: a striking face; a periphery portion surrounding andextending rearwards from said striking face; a coordinate systemcentered at a center of gravity of said golf club head, said coordinatesystem comprising a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to aground plane when said golf club head is in an address position atprescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to said y-axis andparallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of said golfclub head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to said y-axis and said x-axisand extending through said striking face; wherein said striking facecomprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rearsurface opposite said front surface; wherein said rear surface of saidstriking face comprises a supported region; a support arm spaced fromsaid rear surface of said striking face, said support arm extending fromsaid periphery portion towards said supported region; wherein saidsupport arm is cantilevered such that it is only affixed to saidperiphery portion at one end of said support arm; and a deformableelement residing between said support arm and said rear surface of saidstriking face; wherein said deformable element comprises a front surfacein contact with said rear surface of said striking face and a rearsurface in contact with said support arm; wherein a perimeter of saidfront surface of said deformable element defines said supported region,wherein said supported region comprises a geometric center, wherein saidstriking face comprises a plurality of scorelines, wherein said strikingface comprises a heel reference plane extending parallel to said y-axisand said-x-axis, wherein said heel reference plane is offset 1millimeter towards said heel from a heel-most extent of said scorelines,wherein said geometric center of said supported region is located asupported region offset length toeward from said heel reference planemeasured parallel to said x-axis, wherein said striking face comprises astriking face length measured from said heel reference plane to atoe-most extent of said front surface of said striking face parallel tosaid x-axis, wherein said golf club head comprises a supported regionoffset ratio comprising said supported region offset length divided bysaid striking face length multiplied by 100%, wherein said supportedregion offset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%.
 3. The golf clubhead of claim 2, wherein a highest portion of said support arm islocated less than or equal to 35 millimeters above said ground plane,measured parallel to said y-axis.
 4. The golf club head of claim 3,wherein the highest portion of said support arm is located less than orequal to 30 millimeters above said ground plane, measured parallel tosaid y-axis.
 5. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein said center ofgravity of said golf club head is located less than or equal to 20millimeters above said ground plane, measured parallel to said y-axis,and wherein said golf club head comprises an MOI-Y greater than or equalto 250 kg-mm².
 6. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein at least aportion of said striking face comprises a thickness of less than orequal to 2.1 mm.
 7. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein said supportarm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to said rear surfaceof said striking face and extending along a center of said support armfrom said periphery portion towards said supported region and whereinsaid support arm comprises an arm width, wherein said arm widthdecreases along said arm centerline from said periphery portion towardssaid supported region.
 8. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein saidsupport arm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to said rearsurface of said striking face and extending along a center of saidsupport arm from said periphery portion towards said supported region,said arm centerline forming an angle relative to said ground plane,wherein said angle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less thanor equal to 45 degrees.
 9. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein saidsupport arm is oriented substantially parallel to said rear surface ofsaid striking face.
 10. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein saiddeformable element comprises an elastomer.
 11. A golf club headcomprising: a striking face; a periphery portion surrounding andextending rearwards from said striking face; a coordinate systemcentered at a center of gravity of said golf club head, said coordinatesystem comprising a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to aground plane when said golf club head is in an address position atprescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to said y-axis andparallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of said golfclub head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to said y-axis and said x-axisand extending through said striking face; wherein said striking facecomprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rearsurface opposite said front surface; wherein said rear surface of saidstriking face comprises a supported region; a support arm spaced fromsaid rear surface of said striking face, said support arm extending fromsaid periphery portion towards said supported region; and a deformableelement residing between said support arm and said rear surface of saidstriking face; wherein said deformable element comprises a front surfacein contact with said rear surface of said striking face and a rearsurface in contact with said support arm; wherein a perimeter of saidfront surface of said deformable element defines said supported region,wherein said supported region comprises a geometric center, wherein saidstriking face comprises a plurality of scorelines, wherein said strikingface comprises a heel reference plane extending parallel to said y-axisand said-x-axis, wherein said heel reference plane is offset 1millimeter towards said heel from a heel-most extent of said scorelines,wherein said geometric center of said supported region is located asupported region offset length toeward from said heel reference planemeasured parallel to said x-axis, wherein said striking face comprises astriking face length measured from said heel reference plane to atoe-most extent of said front surface of said striking face parallel tosaid x-axis, wherein said golf club head comprises a supported regionoffset ratio comprising said supported region offset length divided bysaid striking face length multiplied by 100%, wherein said supportedregion offset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%.
 12. The golf clubhead of claim 11, wherein said support arm is cantilevered such that itis only affixed to said periphery portion at one end of said supportarm.
 13. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein a highest portion ofsaid support arm is located less than or equal to 35 millimeters abovesaid ground plane, measured parallel to said y-axis.
 14. The golf clubhead of claim 13, wherein the highest portion of said support arm islocated less than or equal to 30 millimeters above said ground plane,measured parallel to said y-axis.
 15. The golf club head of claim 11,wherein said center of gravity of said golf club head is located lessthan or equal to 20 millimeters above said ground plane, measuredparallel to said y-axis, and wherein said golf club head comprises anMOI-Y greater than or equal to 250 kg-mm².
 16. The golf club head ofclaim 11, wherein said supported region offset ratio is greater than orequal to 50%.
 17. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein said supportarm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to said rear surfaceof said striking face and extending along a center of said support armfrom said periphery portion towards said supported region and whereinsaid support arm comprises an arm width, wherein said arm widthdecreases along said arm centerline from said periphery portion towardssaid supported region.
 18. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein saidsupport arm comprises an arm centerline oriented parallel to said rearsurface of said striking face and extending along a center of saidsupport arm from said periphery portion towards said supported region,said arm centerline forming an angle relative to said ground plane,wherein said angle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less thanor equal to 45 degrees.
 19. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein saidsupport arm is oriented substantially parallel to said rear surface ofsaid striking face.